The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 turned out to be a colosseum of batters. This edition touched new highs with a record-setting 153 half-centuries, 12 centuries, and 1124 sixes. Furthermore, IPL 2023 recorded an average 1st innings score of 183, 37 totals above 200, the most successful 200+ runs chase in a season (8), and the most runs scored in partnership (939). It was a record-setting season, thanks to the batting exhibition.
The just-concluded season also witnessed the Impact Player being introduced for the first time. There were some fine all-round performances on display, and fast bowlers reigned supreme ahead of their spinning counterparts. The season gave plenty to cherish to the cricket fanatics. And we look at the best XI based on their IPL salary and contributions throughout the season.
Faf du Plessis and Shubman Gill had a sensational outing with the bat, and the pair booked our opening slots. The RCB captain was a major contributor in the top order-heavy side, accumulating 730 runs with the help of eight centuries. On the other hand, it was Gill was the best batter of the season and took home the purple cap. He hit three centuries in IPL 2023 and scored 892 runs at a strike rate of over 152. The former South Africa captain was retained for INR 7,00,00,000 by RCB in another trophy-less season, while Gill had an annual pay of INR 8,00,00,000.
It was just not to be the most successful Test captain and run-machine Virat Kohli and RCB. Despite his efforts, accumulating 639 runs with two centuries after critics almost wrote him off as a T20 batter, Kohli proved that he is far from over. He had an impressive strike rate of nearly 140 this season. Even though he batted as an opener, we think that he is an ideal choice at No.3. The former RCB captain has an annual fee of INR 15,00,00,000.
There were doubts about our No.4 choice Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the season. He entered the IPL with three consecutive ducks in the ODI series against Australia. But took the onus of run-scoring for Mumbai Indians once again and finished as the highest run-scorer for the five-time champions, with one century and five half-centuries to his name. The match-winner was retained for a fee of INR 8,00,00,000, which is reasonable for his prowess.
Rinku Singh became a household name in IPL 2023, courtesy of his five consecutive sixes in the final over and finishing role that was crucial to KKR. He, incidentally, took a pay cut from INR 80,00,000 to INR 55,00,000 in the last two seasons. But we expect his stakes to go much higher after he proved himself as a dependable finisher for the franchise, accumulating 474 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 149.52.
South Africa and SunRisers Hyderabad captain Heinrich Klassen is our choice for the wicketkeeper-batter. In an underperforming season for the franchise, Klassen led by example as the captain, scoring 448 runs at a staggering strike rate of above 177. This was the second-best strike rate for any batter in the entire season. Although his tactics as a captain were questionable, he proved his worth with the bat in his first season after being bought by the franchise for INR 5,25,00,000.
Afghanistan T20 captain Rashid Khan is the only all-rounder in our best XI. He is arguably the best T20 spinner in the world currently. However, even though he was not as consistent with the ball, he ended up picking up 27 wickets in 17 matches. Khan, thanks to his T20 league experiences, also contributed with cameo knocks with his improved shot selections, including the sweeps. He has a value of INR 15,00,00,000 as a core member of IPL 2023 runners-up Gujarat Titans, but his all-around prowess makes him worth every penny.
Veteran Indian spinner Piyush Chawla was a steal deal for Mumbai Indians at an annual salary of INR 50,00,000. He used his experience to the fore to pick up 22 wickets this season. Similarly, premier India wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had another fruitful season for Rajasthan Royals after being retained for INR 6,50,00,000. He was the fifth-highest wicket-taker this season and the highest for the franchise, with 21 scalps to his name.
Mohit Sharma wrote a story about comebacks in the IPL 2023. From being a net bowler for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022 to nailing the yorkers at death in the IPL 2023 final, the fast bowler grew in stature as he was the second-highest wicket-taker this season, with 27 wickets to his name. The performance will secure his name as a core member of Gujarat Titans and increase his stakes. His current annual pay is of INR 50,00,000, which we believe hardly justifies his prowess.
His senior and new ball veteran Mohammed Shami was the Purple Cap holder this season with 28 wickets to his name. Shami was crucial for Gujarat Titans with the new ball, in the middle overs, and the death. His experience has helped him spearhead the fast bowling unit for Gujarat Titans after being retained for INR 6,25,00,000.
